Dubai: The World Governments Summit Organisation has announced the agenda for its upcoming 2026 edition, set to take place from 3rd to 5th February under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’. This summit aims to address the evolving roles and responsibilities of governments in the face of significant global shifts and rapid developments across critical sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the summit will host over 6,250 decision-makers and thinkers to develop shared strategies and visions that enhance governance and international cooperation. The event seeks to provide realistic solutions to global challenges through a comprehensive agenda of discussions and panels. These sessions will analyze the current global and regional climate, empowering governments to ensure prosperity and progress in a rapidly changing world.
This edition marks the largest participation in the summit’s history, featuring more than 45 heads of state and government, over 15 deputy heads of state, and more than 500 ministers from over 150 governments. The summit will also host prominent global thought leaders and experts, with total attendance exceeding 6,250 participants.
The agenda includes over 445 sessions and more than 450 global speakers, comprising heads of state, ministers, experts, and decision-makers. Additionally, over 700 CEOs from major corporations, 87 laureates of prestigious global scientific awards, and over 80 international and regional organizations will participate. The summit anticipates extensive media coverage, with over 840 journalists and 44 media partners present.
The summit’s key themes include Global Governance and Effective Leadership, Societal Wellbeing and Building Capacities, Economic Prosperity and Strategic Investments, Urban Future and Evolving Demographics, and Future Realities and Emerging Frontiers. Moreover, the summit will issue 36 strategic reports in collaboration with international knowledge partners and launch the 3rd edition of the Global Ministers Survey.
Key awards at the summit include the Best Minister Award, the Most Reformed Government Global Award, the Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development, and the Global Teacher Prize. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit Organisation, emphasized the summit’s role as a platform for shaping the future and fostering international cooperation.
Day 0, commencing on 2nd February, will feature the UAE-Kuwait Economic Forum, Arab Fiscal Forum, the High-Level Investment Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Young Arab Leaders Forum, among others. Prominent speakers on Day 0 include Mohamed Al Hussaini, Kristalina Georgieva, Fahad Al Turki, Daniel Noboa, and Edward David Burt.
Day 1 will host addresses and sessions with leaders such as Guy Parmelin, Alar Karis, Vjosa Osmani, Taye Atske Selassie, Dr. Nawaf Salam, Pedro S¡nchez, Irakli Kobakhidze, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and Liz Truss. Forums on Day 1 include the Young Scientists Forum, the Artificial Intelligence Forum, and the Government Experience Exchange Forum.
Day 2 will feature addresses by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, and Dilma Rousseff, with sessions addressing communication, AI, and investment in Africa. Speakers include Julius Maada Bio, Duma Gideon Boko, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. Forums include the Global Government Regulatory and Justice Forum and the Future of Education Forum.
The summit concludes on Day 3 with a keynote by Mokhtar Ould Djay, and sessions with Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, uro Macut, Evika Silina, Jos© Ramos-Horta, and Saleumxay Kommasith. Themes include the digital economy, digital games, and future government human resources, with forums like the Emerging Economies Forum and the Future of Health Forum.